This Is Not Goodbye

To say that I’ve enjoyed my time here at the News-Leader would be an incredible understatement. Having this position in such a great community has allowed me to meet so many new, interesting and wonderful people. And, while the newspaper office on Dettloff Drive will be closing this week, I assure you, this is not goodbye. Those who have seen my byline in the News-Leader will continue to see it, as I have accepted a position with the Trempealeau County Times as a reporter and staff writer.

In addition to my basic writing and reporting duties, I have also claimed real estate on the opinion pages of the new paper. Ergo, if you choose to do so, you can continue to follow my topical rants and hear my viewpoints on local, state or national issues, as “According to Jennie” will appear in the new publication. I will continue to cover the Arcadia City Council, Arcadia School Board and other items of interest in the community. I would love to tell you that Arcadia will be receiving the same amount of coverage as it is now, but that would be misleading.

Regardless, every week when we have our Trempealeau County Times staff meetings, I will be going to bat for the community to make sure that the most important issues are included in that paper. But, I will not be able to do it without you, the readers. While I don’t yet have any official contact information for the company, please share your story ideas with me via e-mail (jennie.oemig@gmail.com) in the meantime. And be on the lookout for additional staff contact information in the first issue of the Trempealeau County Times.

While I really had no idea what to expect when I first came to Arcadia, over the past year or so, I have learned that it is one of the most amazing communities I have ever lived in or visited. Though there are several reasons why I made the decision to stay on board as the News-Leader changed ownership, that was, by far, the biggest draw. In addition, Charles Gauger has managed to retain some familiar, and very capable, faces from the News-Leader, Galesville Republican and the Whitehall Times, thus, configuring a very knowledgable and talented staff, which I am certainly looking forward to working with at the new publication. Though there may be some rough waters as we leave the dock, I have no doubt that, once we get the first couple of issues out, there will be smooth sailing ahead.

And, last but certainly not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chuck Blaschko and the rest of the Blaschko Enterprises family for giving me the opportunity to serve as the editor at the Arcadia News-Leader for the past 14 months. Having been down on my luck for a year prior to sending in my resume – on a whim, mind you – I never anticipated this result. While I knew I was more than capable of taking on the responsibility of writing, reporting, editing and putting together a newspaper, I appreciate the fact that they afforded me the chance to prove it.

Not only will I be able to cross that achievement off my bucket list, but it will come in extremely useful as I continue moving forward in my journalistic career. Though it may not be sufficient enough to acknowledge my true feelings, I just want to say THANK YOU … from the bottom of my heart. As for the rest of you, I hope you’ve enjoyed the News-Leader over the years; we have really appreciated your readership. I’ll see you on the flip side!

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

A Loss Is Not Always A Loss

By now, I’m sure everyone’s taken sides on the issue regarding the loss of high-speed rail funding. For me, I truly believe that Wisconsin needs to start regaining its economic integrity before it raises people’s tax dollars to fund projects of this nature. Thus, that money leaving the state and being reallocated to other states is not the terrible result that liberals are making it out to be. Do I think it’s sad that Wisconsin lost out on government funding for one of its transportation projects? Without a doubt. However, I highly believe that building a high-speed rail between Milwaukee and Madison, at this point in time, is unrealistic. It is absolutely ridiculous that President Barack Obama would only allocate that money to states willing to build high-speed railways. The fact that there was no leniency in the way in which those funds could be used scares me. I thought this was a democracy, not a dictatorship.

Either way, I hold Gov. Jim Doyle responsible for his poor decision making. I know many are inclined to blame governor-elect Scott Walker for not retaining those dollars here in Wisconsin, but I’m not going to be so quick to jump on the anti-Wlaker bandwagon, especially given what Gov. Doyle is leaving him to deal with. First of all, why, with all the other infrastructure issues that need immediate attention, did Gov. Doyle go after these particular funds? Truth be told, we don’t NEED a high-speed rail right now. Yes, it would be nice to have one eventually, when our state’s financial situation is well enough to sustain such a project in the long run. Honestly, I would hate to see all this money put into a rail line and, due to lack of funding for upkeep, go by the wayside a few years down the road. If I were in Walker’s shoes, I probably would have done the same thing. While I understand that the implementation of high-speed rail would create jobs, I honestly believe that cutting this kind of unneeded spending and getting the state out of the huge economic hole that has been dug should be the highest priority.

Then, and only then, will businesses start to take Wisconsin seriously and relocate their companies here. Wisconsin has had a long history of having a warm and inviting business climate. But a growing deficit has sent a great deal of businesses packing. And rightfully so. From the get-go, I think Gov. Jim Doyle should have sought grants to help fund projects to improve the deteriorating condition of our state highways.Here in Arcadia, the state assisted our community with rebuilding the intersection of State Highway 95 and County J, a project that, ideally, should have been dealt with long ago.

Though that money is no longer ours to spend, I really don’t consider it a loss on our part. Just because the money is there to spend on projects, it doesn’t mean we have to take it, especially when our economy is not, in any way, shape or form, healthy enough to afford upkeep of a high-speed rail. If anything, this is a step in the right direction for Wisconsin. And, evidently, politicians are capable of holding true to their campaign spiels. Walker said he would cut wasteful spending and that is exactly what he’s doing.

Side note: I found it suspicious that the withdrawal of funding for high-speed rail projects took place in two states (Wisconsin and Ohio) in which Republican candidates won election last month … simply because they would rather use the funds for other, more important and practical projects.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Here Today, Gone In Two Weeks

Though I’ve become accustomed to reporting the news each and every week in the Arcadia News-Leader, all of a sudden, we have become news. When it was first revealed to me that the News-Leader, which has been my baby for a little over a year now, was being sold, my first reaction was fear. How would this affect me? Will I still have a job? Would I have to move for the third time in as many years? To be honest, it was a period of utter confusion and myriad emotions. The last time I left a job in journalism, I was completely lost … out in nowhere, Wyoming, where very few job opportunities presented themselves – except for those that required working in the gas fields. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a tough gal, but, when it comes to making ends meet, that was definitely not what I had in mind.

And, once I moved back here to Wisconsin, it took a while to get back on my feet, but, once I did, I found this job. Sadly, one year to the day after I started, I was told that the News-Leader would be done at the end of December. While I know how this news has affected Andrew, Annie and myself, I am hopeful that those of you who have enjoyed the News-Leader will find the new Trempealeau County Times to be a suitable substitute. Granted, there may be some content changes that readers will have to adjust to, I have a feeling that the Times’ broader coverage of the entire county will be beneficial to many, especially those who subscribe to more than one local paper.

Instead of seeing repetitive news items in both papers, there will be more news content from other local communities. That, in essence will allow people in Arcadia to be more aware of what’s happening in Blair, Whitehall and Galesville. And when it comes to advertising, I have no doubt that a county-wide newspaper will prove to be superior to a local newspaper. First of all, you have coverage area. Instead of reaching readers in Arcadia and its surrounding areas, advertisers will be able to reach a much broader audience.

Second is the monetary factor. Instead of placing several ads in several papers throughout the area, advertisers will be able to place one ad and reach basically the same amount of readers. Though the inception of the new paper is still a few weeks off, clearly, I’m sure everyone has questions that they would like to have answered, (i.e. where will the papers be sold?… how will this affect news and sports coverage of Arcadia? … how many pages will the new county-wide paper be? … where will I go to renew subscriptions or place ads?).

Some changes I do know and can share with you are that the new paper will be printed in a tabloid format, as opposed to broadsheet, the Sheriff’s Log that appears in the News-Leader will continue to be published and the office will be based out of Whitehall (the current Whitehall Times office). As we learn more, we will continue to share that information with you. Like you, we here at the News-Leader have been wondering these same types of things. So, if there are any questions that you would like answered regarding these changes, please don’t hesitate to call (323-3366 ext. 240) or e-mail (editor@arcadianewsleader.com) me. I may not have an answer for you right away, but I will get one. And please be patient and bear with us during this transitional period.

Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Black Friday Makes Mockery of Holiday Spirit

During a time when everyone is giving thanks and surrounding themselves by family and friends, most thankful that they made it through another year, the commercially-charged event that has become known as Black Friday throws a wrench into the spirit of things. Less than 24 hours after the turkey has been carved and the typical feast devoured, crazed shoppers line up outside the malls, department stores and every other shop known to man, eager to get their Christmas shopping started – and, for many, completed – before they return home.

But what really irritates me is the lengths to which people will go to secure the hottest toy or most wanted video game console of the holiday season. While some of those items are in limited supply, others are on store shelves even before the huge Black Friday sales. It’s just the matter of saving a few bucks that drives people to fight, tooth and nail, to get their hands on those particular items – not to mention standing in line all night or sleeping in store parking lots awaiting the wee morning hours when the stores open their doors.

Over the years, there have been numerous reports of people fighting over items and shoppers being trampled to death … all in the name of greed.I understand how important Black Friday is, as it stimulates the economy just before the end of the year, but, clearly, the shopping holiday brings out the absolute worst in people. This year, alone, there were several instances in which people let that greed get the better of them. In Buffalo, N.Y., a man was trampled trying to enter a Target store. In Sacramento, Calif., shoppers and security personnel in a Walmart store were pushed and shoved, forcing an evacuation of the electronics section. Then, of course, there was the incident in West Palm Beach, Fla., in which merchandise three women had purchased was stolen from their vehicle while they continued their shopping spree.

Honestly, what is wrong with people? When did decorum become passé? And, believe me, the stores that advertise ridiculously low prices for short periods of time on particular items – of which they often have only a limited supply – aren’t helping matters. If anything, they’re feeding the insanity. Granted, I have never once been a part of the shopping extravaganza, there was one year when I unintentionally got caught up in the whole mess. I had to run to Best Buy the day after Thanksgiving on my way back to UW-River Falls to get some ink cartridges for my printer in order to be able to print out an extremely important term paper I had to turn in the following week.

Thinking that I would be in and out, able to avoid the crowds since I didn’t get there until after 9 a.m., it wasn’t long before I found out the error of my ways. On Black Friday, there is no such thing as quick when it comes to shopping, which I realized when I got in line to check out. Trying to find the end of the line was a trying task in itself, as I had to venture past the washers, dryers and refrigerators, then past the microwaves and vacuums, all the way back to the TVs. Needless to say, I was glad I skipped my morning coffee that day … going to the bathroom was certainly not an option. After that one encounter, I vowed never to leave the house on Black Friday ever again … unless, of course, it was to go to the bar with friends to hang out with a more sane crowd.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

In Case Of Emergency ...

I may have spoken too soon in last week’s editorial about positivity being the end result of change. With last Tuesday’s announcement regarding the city’s only hospital, the opposite is true in this case. While I understand the reasoning behind the forthcoming closure of Franciscan Skemp Healthcare’s (FSH) Arcadia hospital, I’m sure I’m not the only one who is frustrated by the decision.

First of all, regardless of the numbers that have been recorded at the hospital over the past few years, I am fairly certain that the peace of mind gained by knowing that hospital-based care was not far away was far more important. I know that some people base their home-buying decisions on, not only educational facilities, but accessibility to a hospital. Not having a hospital in the city could be detrimental to the housing market and overall economic state of this community. While I am glad that FSH will be expanding its clinic services and nursing home care, the mere fact that there will not be 24-hour care is somewhat unsettling, especially given the fact that people are active outside the 9-5 timeframe. And given the fact that we have manufacturing companies in this town and many, many farms in the vicinity, life-threatening accidents do happen.

The thought of not having that kind of care right here in Arcadia is certainly something to worry about. Say someone is in a bad car accident along Highway 93 just up the hill from Arcadia (which has been known to happen) and the individual needs immediate medical attention. Well, guess what. Once that hospital closes, that attention will be at least 20-25 miles away, which could prove fatal in some instances. Regardless of what the numbers show, there’s no doubt in my mind that the lack of patients goes far beyond need. Over the past few years, with the economy faltering, I’ll bet hospitals across the country saw a decrease in numbers. That’s because health care is expensive and those who have been laid off or are only working part-time jobs in order to make ends meet likely don’t have health care coverage.

As I’ve alluded to in the past, when it comes to budgeting money, health care is usually one of the things that is a ways down the list of importance. Take me, for example. A few months ago, I rolled my ankle. And this wasn’t just like a twist or a sprain. My foot and leg were completely perpendicular … to the point that I heard a snap. And I’m not one to complain about pain, but that hurt something fierce. Within an hour, my ankle swelled up to the size of a grapefruit and it turned purple.

Granted, I should have played it smart and went to the hospital to have it X-rayed to make sure I hadn’t broken anything, I did the math in my head. Without health insurance, there was no way I would be able to pay the bill. Ergo, I let it mend on its own. It took over two weeks for the swelling to go down and, to this day, anytime I walk, my ankle makes a clicking sound. When I stand too long or when there’s bad weather, it swells up, likely because it didn’t mend properly, but, all in all, it healed well enough that I can still get around.

And I’m sure I’m not the only one who would trade a few days of limping for hundreds of dollars. However, I think that closing the hospital now was a bad call. If and when ObamaCare takes effect, people’s attitude toward emergency care will likely change as well. That being said, I think now would be the opportune time for another health care provider to start thinking about locating a hospital in Arcadia. I’m sure it would gain overwhelming support.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Changes

Whoever said change was bad was completely wrong. Just look at all of the changes that have taken place right here in little ol’ Arcadia. Considering this is a town of under 5,000, I’d say we’ve got it pretty good. Unfortunately, that, oftentimes, can be taken for granted. We have city officials who care about developing this area and making Arcadia all that it can be. We have an amazing educational system that strives for excellence. We have a hugely successful business industry. And we have one of the best economies of any municipality in the state, which is only solidified by a generous and extraordinarily active community.

When I began working and living in Arcadia, I quickly learned just what a great community it really was. With so much potential, it only made sense that vast changes would take place that would make it even better. And, boy was I right. In less than 12 months, the City of Arcadia has undergone quite the facelift. Not only is there a new McDonald’s on the east end of town, but there have been new businesses celebrating their grand openings all year long.

And then, there’s the obvious reconstruction project that took most of the summer to complete. Sure, it was a pain with all of the detours and delays while construction was underway, but just look at the final result: turn lanes that allow for better traffic flow, a beautiful parking area that’s more than just pavement, curb and gutter (which will most likely become the defining cornerstone of the business district) and a vastly improved sewer system. Oh, and let’s not forget about the city’s first traffic signals. Then there’s the relocation of the Arcadia Area Historical Society to the former OLPH Church. In my opinion, there’s no better place to have a historical museum than in one of the most iconic and historical buildings in the city. There is also a significant change in education on the horizon, as the Arcadia School District is moving forward with plans for a new PK-8 facility to replace the current elementary and middle school on Main Street.

Looking back on all of the old newspapers while researching information for the “From Our Files” section, its unbelievable how far this community has come. And, if you go even further back and look at old photos of downtown Arcadia, when the streets were made of dirt and horses served as one of the main modes of transportation, there’s no doubt that this community is headed in the right direction. While we may not be to the point of flying cars or hoverboards (as Robert Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future” had predicted would happen by 2015), the leaps and bounds that technology has allowed us to take only leads me to believe that more change is on its way.

Oddly, “Back to the Future” also predicted daily and weekly newspapers would be delivered “Via Compu-fax Satellite” and that clearly is not, nor will it ever be, the case. While the Internet has become a primary source for retrieving news these days, I often wish the prediction that the newspaper industry would be flourishing instead of floundering would have come true.
But, as I have learned, nothing positive can ever be achieved without change.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Exercise It Wisely

Throughout our lives, we, the citizens of these United States, are urged every November or April to exercise our right to vote. While it is a right to go to the polls every election day and select those who will represent us in office, the mere thought of uneducated and apathetic voters casting ballots troubles me. These days, it’s difficult enough to juggle work, family, finances and other obligations without adding anything to the mix. And while I do think that this generation of voters is much more inclined to actually research the candidates and learn the issues, there are still those who register to vote without knowing anything about their potential representatives.

And I can honestly say that, once upon a time, I fell into that category. With my 18th birthday falling in October of an election year, I was more wrapped up in the reality of being an adult. Voting was the last thing on my mind. Besides, my apathetic self had adopted the, ‘one vote won’t make a difference’ philosophy. Four years later, my bad decision making once again reared its ugly head. Caught up in the whole MTV “Rock the Vote” hype, as well as being surrounded by a college crowd that was certain that our future depended on us getting to the polls and making a difference.

Of course, smart college student that I was, I focused my attention on the presidential race – Gore vs. Bush. I steadfastly threw my support behind Bush because all of my views on the majority of issues mirrored his. I developed a cocky attitude that I was right and all of those who supported Gore were imbeciles … including my better half. Together for three years, we never had as heated arguments as we did leading up to that election. Our political differences drove an insurmountable wedge between us and, eventually, our relationship bent until it broke. Looking back, I can’t help but kick myself for getting so wrapped up in politics that it adversely affected my life.

But, I digress. Heading to the polls that November, I looked over my ballot and realized I failed to do my homework. Sure, I had the president vote all figured out, but then came all the other candidates for Senate, Congress, Assembly and sheriff, with a referendum thrown in for good measure. Like the typical uninformed constituent, I merely chose the names that sounded familiar – those of the incumbents. After filling it out, I left feeling like a failure. Sure, I had done my part and fulfilled my right to vote, but I really had no idea what I was doing.

That’s why people need to realize that votes do count. And just because an incumbent has been in office for 30-some years doesn’t mean he or she is the right person for the job. Guess that whole live and learn saying rang true for me. And while I realize there are only a few days before Nov. 2 gets here, please do yourself a favor and, if you intend to vote, make sure you do some research. Going to the polls without any knowledge of who the candidates are and what they stand for is like walking into a final exam at school without ever having cracked a book.

Also, just because the option to vote party lines is there doesn’t mean you have to use it. These days, I find it hard to believe that any one person agrees or disagrees with either perspective entirely. Don’t be lazy. Get to know the candidates, the issues and go into your polling place knowing exactly who and what you’re supporting. After all, this is our country and we have to live with it until the next election rolls around … so let’s make it the best that it can be. And remember, every vote does count.

Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Seat Belts Save Lives ... Mine Included

In recognition of national teen driver safety week, I thought it would be appropriate to reiterate the importance of safe driving.
To be fair, safe driving is pertinent whether you’re a teenager or not. And the main cause of fatalities is the fact that people are not buckling up when they get behind the wheel. All our lives, we’ve been told to buckle up for our safety … that that strap might save our lives if we’re ever in an automobile accident. I’m living proof of that. If it weren’t for those thin pieces of interwoven nylon, chances are I wouldn’t be here today.

When I moved to Wyoming in the summer of 2007, there were a number of things I had to get used to, such as climate (I’ve seen snow in July), environment (I’ve walked past a moose on the sidewalk) and, of course, altitude (you’d be surprised how quickly you can get drunk at 7,000 feet). But all of those things I had pretty much anticipated. One thing I never took into consideration was that I would have to adapt to the rules of the road in the west. Over there, the speed limit on the interstate is 80 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour on the highways. But that’s not even the worst of it.

Because there are so many animals that live in the mountains and cities are few and far between, drivers tend to share the road with nature … even mores than in Wisconsin. In addition to deer, you have moose, pronghorn, bison and mountain goats to contend with in those parts. So, one morning while I was driving out near the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline, two large energy fields in Wyoming, I came across a herd of pronghorn. Going 65 and rounding some sharp corners, not to mention the fact that shoulders are pretty much non-existent on rural highways, I swerved to avoid hitting one of them. Getting off the pavement, I yanked the steering wheel to get back on the road. Unfortunately, I ended up overcorrecting the vehicle and it started to roll.

While I had always been told that car crashes seem to take place in slow motion, I never believed it until I lived through it. The car rolled for what seemed like forever, though it was only one a a half times. After my car came to rest on its roof in the ditch on the opposite side of the road, I began to assess my situation. I was alive, so that was a good start. Looking around, I saw that two of the windows were shattered and there was glass everywhere. Still in somewhat of a state of shock from had just happened, I didn’t even realize that my index finger had been lacerated and was bleeding profusely. My primary concern was finding my phone and calling for help. Unfastening my seat belt, I looked all over the upside down wreckage for my cell.

While I eventually did find it, it was pretty much a lost cause. I was out in the middle of nowhere and didn’t get much in the way of reception. Thus, I had to wait for a truck driver to come by and call for help. When the police, paramedics and other emergency personnel showed up, the officer who questioned me pointed out that my finger was bleeding pretty badly. Initially turning down treatment, I eventually told the officer that it might be a good idea to go to the hospital and have my finger looked at. Eight stitches and several bumps and bruises, including marks on my waist and shoulder from where the seat belt held me in the vehicle, was all I got out of the terrifying ordeal.

But, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had I not buckled up that morning. Would I have been ejected from the car? Would I have died? Would I have survived the crash, but had injuries so severe that I would have died before I got treatment? Would I be brain damaged or paralyzed if I did make it out alive? Thankfully, because of those two straps, I didn’t have to find out. But, any other day on any other road, there are people who aren’t as fortunate … who decided not to buckle up. Sure, I know of instances where people died because they were wearing their seatbelts, but those are few and far between.
Since that day, I’ve never not buckled up … and neither should you.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

If You Build It, They Will Excel

In regard to the meeting two weeks ago, I must applaud the decision of the facilities committee. Considering the recent disaster this community has faced and adding to that the poor economic condition, I think it took a lot of courage to insist upon a new elementary and middle school. While there will surely be a great deal of concerns, mainly of the property tax variety, I think it’s important to realize what’s at stake … the education of the children in this community. While Arcadians’ wallets may be dealt a huge blow if this process moves forward, ultimately, those kids are the ones who will be affected most by the final decision.

Though money always seems to come up as a concern when a construction project of this magnitude is being discussed (to be truthful, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a time when funding was not an issue), at some point in the future, a new building will have to be constructed. And If you look at the economy, barring another major downswing in the market, things never tend to get cheaper. Let’s be honest … an increase in property taxes will never be something people will welcome with open arms. But, a lot can change in just a few years. If it were the pleasure of the committee and school board to wait five or so years to move forward with a new facility, when it absolutely, positively needs to be built, chances are it will cost even more.

Given that construction companies are practically begging for work these days, it’s more likely that, if the project were bid out sooner rather than later, the cost will be significantly less. And then, when you take into consideration the value of the children and the fact that their futures hinge on the education they receive right now, one would think cost would be a non-issue. Making sure those kids are in a conducive learning environment should be job one. A noisy building that was initially built 90 some years ago, has an unreliable heating system and consists of rooms that can no longer contain modern class sizes, is a far cry from conducive.

When I was in elementary school, the building I attended classes in left quite a bit to be desired. While not necessarily unusable, it was, without a doubt, in need of some serious upgrades. Handicap accessibility was lacking, it was unbelievably cold and drafty during the winter months, what with a faulty heating system, and security was minimal … I mean, how secure could a building constructed almost a century prior possibly be? And while there’s no doubt that teaching methods and the material are two crucial factors in a child’s academic success, I would have to argue that environment is just as important, if not more so. Let me tell you, listening to the clanging and banging of pipes every time the furnace kicked in during the winter months was a huge distraction, especially while attempting to comprehend long division or trying to read “Lord of the Flies” – as if those weren’t challenging enough as it was.

When you take into consideration the effects that learning environment has on students, it makes perfect sense to somehow find the funds for a new facility, regardless of the cost. While I’m not a parent and I don’t pay property taxes in Arcadia just yet, I know that a child’s education is priceless and monetary constraints of any kind should not be placed on the future leaders of this country. Sure, there’s a lot of time before anything is set in stone regarding this project, but this is merely food for thought ... something to have in the back of your minds when and if this issue comes to referendum.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

I'm All For Gender Equality, But ...

Members of the media attending games, as well as practices of professional sports teams is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s something that has been done for decades. Those same reporters gaining access to the player locker rooms is even more commonplace. If you want an interview with any of the athletes, whether it be to comment on their performance or the game that has just ended, the locker room is the place to do that.

But, recently, there has been a dramatic increase in female reporters crowding the sidelines during games, especially in football. Most of these ladies are there because the networks that broadcast the sports match-ups are merely trying to cater to the male faction of their audience. Let’s face it, men would much rather look at attractive women down on the field chatting up the athletes than some overweight, washed up, former pro … no offense to Tony Siragusa. While that’s all well and good, I have a problem with those ladies trotting into the locker rooms after the game to interview the players. This very issue is what has had the New York Jets – as well as loud-mouthed athletes like the Washington Redskins’ Clinton Portis – in hot water lately.

Ines Sainz, a former beauty queen who now serves as a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican network, was on the sidelines at the new Meadowlands during a team practice, where she was reportedly harassed by some of the players. Not deterred by the behavior, Sainz was on the sidelines again during the Jets’ showdown with the Baltimore Ravens last Monday night. Following the game, the bosomy blond made her way into the Jets’ locker room to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez. Once again, she was harassed by some of the athletes, receiving cat calls and whistles.

First of all, a female has no business going into a men’s locker room, plain and simple. Granted, every person should have equal opportunity when it comes to employment, I think this freedom of equality should be rescinded. Male reporters are not allowed into women’s locker rooms, so why should female reporters have access to a male team locker room? As for the behavior of some of the members of the Jets squad, it’s sophomoric and should definitely not be tolerated.

However, when you look at the attire of Sainz, one would quickly come to the conclusion that that kind of behavior is to be expected. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning sexual harassment, but, as a professional news reporter, Sainz leaves a lot to be desired in the dress code area. There’s no way that anyone would deem her practically painted on pants and short dresses as appropriate for her profession. A true professional would likely be fired for wearing the kind of clothing she does while she’s working. I had a boss threaten to fire me for wearing flip-flops to work, for crying out loud. Sure, there are people out there who say she had it coming, but that’s not really a fair assumption to make. Regardless, she should have known better than to wear what she did.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Mosquing the Pain

Lately, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of building a Cordoba mosque near the site of the former World Trade Center towers in New York City. As an American, my first response was to be outraged. But, in all actuality, I think the entire issue has been blown way out of proportion.

After sitting down and learning more about the issue, I have found myself wondering why everyone is so worked up about it.
First of all, the building will not just be a place of worship. It's a community center that will contain a mosque. However, the mosque aspect of the plans seems to be overshadowing the fact that the building will also contain fitness facilities, an auditorium, a restaurant and a library. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in favor of a mosque being built on sacred ground, but, clearly, that’s not what’s happening in this case.

Also, if you look at a map that shows the proposed site of the Park51 project, you will see that it’s a good two blocks from where the terrorist attacks took place. Believe me, it would be an entirely different story if this facility were being built on the same tract of land where the World Trade Center once stood. Upon further examination, it’s easy to see that there are two churches and a chapel within that same distance from Ground Zero. Obviously, it’s not a matter of precedence to build a center for worship in this particular vicinity.

While many argue that erecting a 15-story community center that contains a Muslim mosque that close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were killed, is insensitive – not only to families of the victims, but to the entire population of the United States – those people need to realize that the building proposal was not made to dishonor the memory of those who were killed by Islamic terrorists. Besides, we can’t punish an entire religion for an attack that only a handful of extremists carried out. That’s not fair. Not to mention, real estate in downtown Manhattan is hard enough to come by as it is without our opposition.
A long-time tradition of Muslim supremacists has been to construct mosques adjacent to or upon other groups’ holy and sacred grounds.

At the same time, those who have made the proposal need to respect the fact that the site where the World Trade Center towers once stood, though not necessarily a holy site, has become, in a sense, hallowed ground, what with all those who perished just over nine years ago. Ergo, it should be respected as such. With that, the opposition the developers are encountering has nothing to do with suppressing religion or infracting upon the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sure, I understand that it could be interpreted as such, but, obviously, that is not the case here.

But, what really gets my goat is the prominent role this controversy has taken in our lives. We have people dying in Afghanistan and Iraq while serving our country, a massive oil spill recovery effort taking place in the Gulf and an economy that is still in the process of rebounding from a terrible recession. There’s just so many other things that should be taking front and center at the moment. Yet, what people are choosing to focus their time and effort on is trying to prevent a building from being erected in New York City. Something just isn’t right here.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Fruits of Our Labor

Growing up, I had no idea what Labor Day was all about or what it meant to be part of the laboring nation. To me, it was simply another day that I didn’t have to be in school … sort of like a last hurrah of summer before I really put my nose to the grindstone. Once I hit 16, however, it was a completely different story. That’s when I was hired for my very first job. Not so much work as it was a way to pay for the important things in life – car, clothes, CDs, a ticket to Country Fest – I quickly learned the importance of hard work and the value of the hard-earned dollar.

My very first job was as a Jill-of-all-trades at McDonald’s. You see, at those kind of places, you don’t just get to do one thing … you do it all. However, my first few days, I was stuck on French fry duty for four hours at a time. That meant I had to put the frozen product in the deep fryer, pull them up, salt them, box them and do it all over again. Needless to say, I have absolutely hated McDonald’s fries ever since. But after four hours of grease, salt and so many burns I couldn’t even count, I had an entirely new appreciation for people who work at fast food restaurants. Moreover, I sincerely believe that everyone should have to hold that type of job at some point in their life.

I feel those same sentiments about my second and third jobs, as well. Before I started working in the restaurant business, I simply assumed that, once you order food at a restaurant, it should magically appear in front of you in a reasonable amount of time. As I would soon learn in my position as a cook and server at a small cafe in my hometown, there is a lot of hard work that goes into those jobs. Before I began waiting tables, I never really understood why we needed to leave tips. Waiters and waitresses make minimum wage, so why do they need extra money, right? Not so much.

In my opinion, servers are the hardest working individuals in the workforce, right alongside farmers and construction workers. I mean, think about it … they bring you food, drinks and are at your beck and call while you’re in their place of work, most are on their feet for at least eight hours a day and they’re doing it all while making less than minimum wage. Servers depend on tips to make a living because, Lord knows, they’d be hurting if they were counting solely on their wages to pay their bills. While I was making my way through college, I revisited my days of working in fast food when I took a job at Dairy Queen. But it wasn’t until I began working there that I really got the feeling that people really didn’t appreciate or understand the kind of labor employees at fast-food joints actually put in.

Not only were most of my co-workers full-time college students trying to earn some extra spending cash, but several were student-athletes, as well. Imagine trying to go to a full day of classes, hitting the gym or field for practice and then coming to work, only to get bitched at by unappreciative customers. While those types of jobs helped mold me into who I have become today, I must admit that I’m much happier not working in the food service industry. So, the next time you go out to eat, whether it be at a fancy restaurant or a fast-food joint, remember that just because the employees may be a little lower down the totem pole, they’re still an integral cog in the labor force of this country.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Don't Laugh At Me

As the new school year commences, it brings back fond memories of my days attending school back home in Cornell. If you didn’t guess it already, I was one of those geeky kids who loved school, much to my parents’ delight. Sure, I enjoyed summer as much as the next kid, but, for some reason, I yearned to go back each fall and bury my nose in books and homework.
I loved homework, writing and being artistic – which really hasn’t changed all that much, I guess. Regardless of how hard I worked at getting straight A’s, it was sometimes difficult for me to stay focused in school.

No, I’m not talking about passing notes during class or whispering about boys in a secluded corner of the library. Granted, there are many of those instances I can recall that have been stored in my memory banks, I’m referring to the harsh reality that school can oftentimes be a horrific place for a kid. Though I had an affinity for learning, I neglected to mention that I was also a pudgy kid who was blessed with Coke-bottle spectacles by the time I was in fourth grade.

While that period of my life has come and gone – for the most part – I, like many other kids that age, became the subject of ridicule from my classmates. Words like ‘fatty’ and ‘four eyes’ were thrown my way on a daily basis. Meant to be a place where kids felt safe and did the majority of their maturing, I quickly discovered that school wasn’t always a conducive environment for learning.

When I started kindergarten, I remember a choice few of my classmates who were just plain mean to me. Though I wasn’t the one who bore the brunt of their wrath, it still hurt. I was only leafy to imagine how other kids who were incessantly teased felt.
While there were others who saw humor in this kind of behavior and joined in on the pranks and jokes on occasion, class clowns they certainly were not.

As we grew older, several of those same mean kids continued to tease and torment classmates, so much so that it brought kids to tears. And while I’d like to say I was merely a victim, innocent when it came to bullying, I admit that there were times I caught myself laughing at the expense of others. Looking back, I can’t help but shake my head in disgust. It’s not funny, whatsoever. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though much has changed since my elementary and high school days.

Through all the technological advancements that education has seen, as well as the many fads that have come and gone – from the leather and grease of the ‘50s and the hippie chic of the ‘70s to the big hair of the ‘80s and punk and grunge styles of the ‘90s – bullying seems to be the one constant that every generation has endured. As tragic as it is to imagine, bullying has always been a problem within the confines of any educational institution, whether it be in the cafeteria, out on the playground or in the classroom.

And, sadly, with new conveniences like cell phones and computers, bullying has become even worse. Threats and torments are now as easy as sending a message via Facebook or text message. And while I know, from experience, that kids don’t like being tattletales – not to mention the fact that it can be embarrassing for them to admit to being bullied – parents need to make sure their children are not being victimized. While I know that schools have bullying policies in place, this kind of behavior should be nipped in the bud before these kids even enter the hallways. Parents need to instill in their children that teasing of other individuals won’t be tolerated. Not only should they respect their elders, but they should be taught to respect everyone.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Fatality Raises Concerns

It’s no secret that the Amish population in northern Wisconsin is on the rise. And that’s all fine and good with me. However, I do have reservations about the way in which automobiles and buggies are required to share roadways. I’m not going to sugar-coat this, by any means. Buggies should not be allowed to travel on highways where the posted speed limit is 55 mph and above. I’m not saying that Amish and Old Order Mennonite folks should be banned from all roadways if they are traveling by buggy, but, in my eyes, it’s just too dangerous.

First off, most buggies are not equipped with proper lighting, thus posing a huge threat, especially if they happen to be traveling along the road near or after sundown, which I’ve witnessed. Add to that the fact that buggies typically don’t reach speeds in excess of 15 mph. When operating lightweight, wooden vehicles on the same roads with heavy, metal 4-by-4 pickups and 18 wheelers, lives most certainly will be lost. And they have been.

Granted, the most recent fatality that occurred near Whitehall was a buggy vs. sedan, I’d hate to imagine what might have happened had that sedan been a semi, which are quite prevalent in the area, mind you. Those buggies are oddly built so that the passengers are ejected if it is rear-ended, what with the seating area above the impact zone. Another thing that concerns me is the way in which buggies are allowed to operate on state highways without meeting the required safety measures – child safety seats, seat belts and airbags, to name a few.

I recall a very similar scenario playing out last summer when a van rear-ended an Amish buggy, resulting in the death of an infant. The 6-week-old girl’s parents were riding in the buggy with her when the accident occurred, but what concerns me is why the girl was killed. The baby was not secured in a car seat (as she should have been if she were in a motorized vehicle) and was ejected from her mother’s arms when the buggy was struck from behind. Again, I understand the need to adhere to the Ordnung, but, not having a child in a safety seat would be, by today’s standards, considered negligent.

There are even some who refuse to display slow-moving vehicle signs on their buggies because they are too flashy. I respect the need for members of the Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities to respect and honor their heritage, but when it comes to safety, I don’t think they should be afforded the opportunity to refuse to comply with state laws. No one else can … at least not without paying some sort of forfeiture, that is. And, at this point, there’s no way to tell if the driver of the sedan had been distracted or experienced sun-blindness, when the setting sun hinders vision.

Regardless, I think everyone traveling on our roadways needs to be a lot more attentive and aware of what’s going around them. Distractions like cell phones, radios and everything else aside, more attention needs to be paid to the actual act of driving. There’s no doubt in my mind that cutting down on the number of driving-related fatalities is a group effort.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Apathy Is Not The Answer

One day, as I was going through an old edition of the News-Leader, picking out news stories of yore for the “From Our Files” section, something struck me as surprising. In 1960, about 200 people turned out for the Arcadia School District's annual meeting. Ironically, one of my very first assignments as editor was to attend the annual meeting last October and report on it. Let me tell you, there were nowhere near 200 people in attendance. That begs the question: when did people stop being so actively involved in these types of public meetings? But, more importantly, why?

The same goes for city council meetings. Not very many members of the public turn out for those either. Regardless of the fact that my job description requires me to be in attendance, I have no doubt that, even if I were not in this position, I’d be there. I like to knowing what is happening in the community in which I reside. I don’t think my parents have once gone to a city council meeting and they’ve been living in Cornell about 30 years. Though I’d like to just chock that up to apathy, I’ve come to realize that it’s not just them.

For most, public meetings are the ideal time to express concerns and vent frustrations to the powers that be. However, they serve a much bigger purpose – awareness. While I understand people lead extremely busy lives, I think many have forgotten the importance of being involved in the politics of the communities in which they live. As sad as it is, more often than not, people only attend a meeting after something goes wrong. Not to play devil's advocate, by any means, but, perhaps, whatever went wrong could have been avoided had he or she been a regular attendee of public meetings. I don’t mean to be blunt, but those who don’t care enough to be involved should have nothing to complain about.

Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware that much of the responsibility to keep the residents of Arcadia informed and in the know lands on my shoulders. However, there is no feasible way for me to hit on everything. Meetings of the school board and city council oftentimes last three hours (sometimes longer) and can consist of 20-plus agenda items. Plus, there may be certain items that only pertain to and affect a choice few individuals. There’s no way every little morsel of information discussed at these meetings will wind up in print, which makes public involvement that much more important.

During my three years working as reporter/editor, it astounds me how few people actually take advantage of those outlets. You can't just stand idly by and hope things go your way. Not only do you need to actively make sure you hold those who represent you accountable, but you also need to get involved and let your voice be heard. With that, I’d just like to remind everyone of three upcoming opportunities to do just that. The Arcadia City Council meets Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall; the Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors (courthouse in Whitehall) and the Arcadia School Board of Education (high school LMC) will hold their regular monthly meetings on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively. I hope to see some new faces in attendance.

Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Tribal Retribution

Last week, the Osseo-Fairchild School District was ordered, by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, to drop its Chieftains nickname and logo, which it has used for many years. With so much rich, Native American culture in Wisconsin, I’m sure Osseo-Fairchild will only be the first of many districts to fall under scrutiny after the passage of a new state law that went into effect in May. That particular law allows for any resident who lives within the district and objects to the usage of a race-based nickname, logo or mascot to file a complaint with the state superintendent. The same day the law was passed, residents within the Osseo-Fairchild district filed a complaint over the logo.

Since the verdict was handed down last Tuesday, the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District decided to do away with its Redmen mascot, as well. And, with good reason. If the state has ordered one district to drop its nickname and logo, chances are the rest will eventually have to follow suit. All it takes is one person who objects to its usage. My question is, why is it necessary to do away with these mascots? I honestly don’t see why they are so offensive ... and I hardly doubt I’m the only one.

When I attended high school, I was proud to be a Cornell Lady Chief. And Justin, over there, was a Lake Holcombe Chieftain. We had uniforms, sweatshirts, T-shirts, all adorned with the school mascot and chief head logo. To me, it was a tribute to the roots of the region ... and reminded us kids of the heritage and history of our country. It was about the time I became a sophomore that the shit really started to hit the fan and people began regarding those mascots and logos as demeaning, stereotypical and discriminatory. I don’t see it that way.

School mascots are not meant to be derogatory in any way, shape or form. From the get-go, it was supposed to exemplify our appreciation for the Native American heritage. What better way for us to express that than to name our school mascots in their honor? At some point, though, the meaning became skewed and Native American descendants began taking offense at the way they were being portrayed. As such, our gym floor was replaced, removing the chief head that was in the center. What took its place was a flaming C, which made absolutely no sense to me, especially since the district only relinquished the logo and not the mascot name. Somewhere along the way, the school digressed back to using a Native American headdress in its logo ... one step forward, two steps back, I guess.

Other schools in the region faced the same issues: the aforementioned Lake Holcombe Chieftains, Winter Warriors, Elmwood Raiders, Greenwood Indians. Arcadia even went through the process of eliminating the American Indian reference from its logo. The order that was handed down last week stated that the school district did not have permission of any federalized American Indian tribe to use the name or logo. So, what are they really saying? If the school somehow obtained permission to use that logo, that would be OK?

And where do you suppose this type of legislation will cease? Ancestors of pirates might find those mascot names and logos offensive. The same goes for lumberjacks, vikings, medieval warriors and spartans. The Butternut and Hurley High School nicknames are Midgets ... now you can't tell me that's not offensive. Before long, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will seek to stop the use of animals as mascots, as well. Eventually, all team names – if there are any down the road – will need to be inanimate objects like lightning, magic or evergreens.

It’s just a vicious cycle that will eventually lead to the demise of all high school mascots. But, then again, why do high school teams need to have mascots in the first place? It's a nice, traditional concept and all, but, truth be told, they don’t.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Dealing with Growing Pains

Whenever a huge construction project gets underway, one thing is certain ... someone or several someones are going to be unhappy about it. Let’s face it, no one – myself included – likes to see heavy machinery when they look out their window. And barricades that prevent people from getting from point A to point B in a straight line are simply a nuisance. But that’s the hand that the people of Arcadia have been dealt this summer.

In order for a city or town to be the best that it possibly can be, these are necessary evils that we must deal with as a community. And I can certainly empathize with those whose businesses are bearing the brunt of the inaccessibility. As it turns out, I live in an upstairs apartment along Main Street right next to Anytime Fitness. Needless to say, I share your pain. While I have grown accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Main Street since I moved here, I am really starting to miss the days when the loudest noises I heard were Ashley and Gold’n Plump trucks rumbling by. Now replaced with backhoes digging, trucks hauling and the incessant beeping, warning of heavy machinery in full reverse mode, it’s not surprising why there are times when I want to just scream at the top of my lungs.

I am not, nor have I ever been, a morning person. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I’m pretty much useless before my first mug – or two – of coffee. But I’ll be damned if those construction workers aren’t trying to change that. So, when crews first started tearing up Main Street one morning just over a week ago, I was startled into awake – not because of the noise, but because the entire house was shaking and the windows were rattling. If I hadn’t known any better, I could have sworn I was living on a fault line and I had just survived my first earthquake. Not so much.

While I had considered for a split-second, actually waking up, hopping in the shower and heading into work early, I took one look at my clock – it was only 7 a.m. – and changed my mind. While it didn’t completely block out the noise, I put the earbuds of my iPod in my ears and tried desperately to fall back to sleep. This has become a daily routine for me, it seems, but I deal with it. Then, of course, there’s the daily question of “how am I going to get out of the driveway today?” With so much going on in front of the house, it’s oftentimes difficult to actually just drive out to the street. So there I am, driving over lawns, dodging trees and shrubs, using the neighbor’s driveway ... it becomes more of a game than an inconvenience. Either way, I know it will all be over before long and I will be able to go back to life as usual.

And that’s exactly what people need to realize. This inconvenience is only temporary. As the old saying goes, you have to take the good with the bad. Once the intersection is complete, everyone can rest assured that the downtown area will be much more inviting and aesthetically pleasing ... not to mention how much more functional and safer it will be with the heavy traffic flow. So the next time you find yourself growing irate over the mayhem going on downtown, just take a deep breath and try to picture the end result. These are just growing pains we must deal with in order for Arcadia to be more.

Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Technology Does Not Always Equal Advancement

When I began my schooling quite a few years ago, we didn’t have computers, there was no such thing as e-mail and we were lucky if we had a functional overhead projector (many of you might remember it as the predecessor to PowerPoint). And before that, teachers had to settle for a plain old blackboard as a means of presenting information to their students. In this ever-changing, fast-paced world, when it comes to presentation of information, it is presumed the quicker, the better. However, when you take into consideration just how quickly we’re moving, I have reason to believe that speed is not always a good thing when the minds of today’s youth are at stake.

With the advent of computers, it seems that a lot has been sacrificed. Writing, penmanship, proper word usage and vocabulary have all been taking a hit now that we have software programs that do all the work. Sure, when someone has horrific handwriting skills, it may be harder for the teacher to make out words; either way, it should be practiced regularly in the classroom for other reasons. Writing aides in the process of forming sentences and learning words and word usage. Like one of my old high school English teachers spouted off on a regular basis: “You ARE spell check.”

While I admit that I rolled my eyes just about every time those words escaped her lips, I totally understand what she was getting at all those years ago. Just because you have a machine that corrects spelling and, sometimes, grammar, that doesn’t mean it will fix everything. For example, if you type “witch” when what you meant was “which” or you type “right” when you should have entered “write,” you’re on your own. If you just let the computer do all the work, you may end up with correct spelling, but you’ll end up looking like an imbecile in the long run.

Having spent the better part of my educational career studying the English language, I have a keen disdain for people who misspell or use the wrong form of words ... especially when we have all this technology to give us the right answers. If it weren’t bad enough that generation X already has a difficult time comprehending the their/there/they’re, to/too/two and you’re/your conundrums, we now have messaging geniuses (and I use that term loosely, mind you) further corrupting the English language. For all of you out there who have, thus far, been lucky enough to avoid this plague, here’s a brief synopsis.

Beginning with the dawn of instant messaging, people, for some reason or another, decided to exercise their right to be lazy, exchanging a few letters for entire words or even whole sentences (i.e. brb = be right back; lol = laughing out loud; your/you’re = ur; nm = never mind; b4 = before). While those are just a few examples, it upsets me that these are becoming part of everyday interaction via this blasted thing we call the Internet and has become even more popularized since cell phone companies introduced text messaging. I’m not going to lie, I cringe every time someone sends me a text that says, “k, thnx.” I mean, I understand the message being conveyed, but did I somehow miss the memo about vowels becoming optional?

I guess I just don’t understand how people can be in such a hurry that all of that quality education just goes right out the window. All I know is I either hope this is just a passing trends or that I’m not around when this abbreviated language becomes everyday practice taught in a classroom. I shudder to think that, one day, there might be a class in school entitled “Introduction to Text Messaging.”

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Equality in Unity

A friend of mine recently made the comment to me that people shouldn’t get married anymore. While, at first, I found fault in that statement, it didn’t take me long to jump on board and agree with that sentiment, especially when you take the staggering divorce rate into consideration. Before I begin my rant, I’d like to take the time to congratulate my parents, who will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary this November. Having been there through the majority of their union, I know that it wasn’t always easy.

Marriage is work, meaning you have to actually make an effort if you want it to last. That seems to be a fatal error in most marriages. One or both parties doesn’t put forth the extra effort to work out their differences. Instead, they take so-called “easy” way out by filing for divorce. While, over time, people may grow apart and find that their lives just don’t mesh well anymore, oftentimes people just jump into the commitment too quickly or without thinking through the seriousness of the vows they’re taking. Like I said, I’m not a big fan of marriage; however, I wholly believe that everyone who wants to try their hand at monogamy, in the form of marriage or civil union, should be allowed the right to do so ... no matter what their sexual orientation.

That said, I think it’s quite obvious by now that I am in complete disagreement with last week’s Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that upheld the ban on gay marriages and civil unions. For some reason, I just don’t see what right the government has in determining who people should marry. I know that I wouldn’t want some matchmaker or – gasp! – my parents, choosing my spouse. So, why then, should the government be able to dictate who each individual can marry?

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have several close friends who just happen to be homosexual. Or maybe it’s simply because I wholeheartedly believe in the old saying that “all men are created equal.” And, as such, we should be treated equally, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. After all, this is the 21st Century. How are we going to continue to evolve as a species if we don’t allow for things like growth, change and open-mindedness? The vast majority of us no longer use a horse and buggy as a primary mode of transportation, so why is it that people insist upon living in the past when it comes to defining what a marriage should and should not be?

While I’ve heard many people take a religious approach to the subject, arguing that the Bible and dictionary both define marriage to be the sacred union of one man and one woman, there are many faults in those arguments.
First, I find difficulty in calling wedding vows sacred. Divorce has become far too common in this country for me to deem marriage a sacred union. Apparently, in this day and age, marriage just doesn’t hold the same bearing it once did. Just ask Elizabeth Taylor.

Next, there are those who believe that allowing homosexuals to legally marry will only devalue and weaken the institution of marriage ... as if the skyrocketing divorce rate is strengthening it.

Last, but certainly not least, is the definition of what constitutes a marriage. I apologize for not having my Bible handy, but if you look up “marriage” in Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary, you will find this definition: “(1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law; (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage.” How about that? Definitions can be redefined. Hopefully, one day, so will the laws of our great nation, which prides itself on its citizens’ freedoms.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

The Wait Is Over

I don’t know about y’all (sorry about that; I guess I still haven’t been able to shake off all the Wyoming), but July 5 cannot get here fast enough. In just a few days, those who walk into any restaurant, workplace or bar will be able to breathe a little easier, thanks to the new Smoke-Free Wisconsin Act that goes into effect Monday. Personally, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Granted, I believe every individual has the right to do with their body what they will, whether that be covering it with tattoos, filling it with holes or ingesting substances like tar and nicotine. It’s a personal freedom to be able to make those kinds of decisions. But while the choice to smoke is up to the smoker, the state has every right to put a statute of limitations on it, especially when cigarette smoke is proven to be hazardous, not only to the smoker, but also to bystanders who inhale the smoke.

With so many other things in this world that cause cancer and put an end to the lives of many who are far too young to die, I can’t help but wonder why people are increasing their risk of contracting cancer on a voluntary basis. I, for one, went through a horrendous ordeal watching my grandfather slowly succumb to emphysema, which was the product of all his years as a chain smoker.

Believe me, I don’t have anything against people who smoke; they’re not bad people. Quite a few of my friends picked up the habit while we were in high school and, to this day, I still give them grief about it. As much as I would love them to just wake up tomorrow and quit, I realize that it’s easier said than done.

While I was at Country Fest over the weekend, I had numerous people ask me if I had a lighter. My comeback was usually, “No, I don’t smoke. It’s a disgusting habit.” About 95 percent of the time, the smoker was in complete agreement with me, acknowledging that they have either tried to quit at least once in the past or intend to do so when the smoking ban goes into effect. It’s just a very difficult habit to break and it really sucks for those who really want to quit, but simply can’t.

I also understand that some bar and tavern owners may be perplexed by the new smoke-free ordinance, but I really don’t think they should be overly concerned that their establishments will be negatively impacted. Contrary to popular belief, going smoke free will not ruin a business. If anything, the opposite happens.

When I waited tables at a brew pub back in Pinedale, Wyo., the business went through an ownership change. The pub, in turn, went from a smoking to a non-smoking establishment. In the beginning, there were quite a few regulars who didn’t particularly like the change, but eventually grew to accept it. In fact, business actually picked up because people who didn’t like the smoking aspect before started to frequent the place once it became a non-smoking establishment. Overall, I think there were maybe one or two people who refused to come back and chose to go elsewhere because of the no smoking policy.

Regardless, when you have an entire state making the switch, I have a hard time believing that all the people who smoke are going to boycott bars and taverns because they’re not allowed to light up. I mean, after all, this is Wisconsin ... we’re pretty much known for three things: the Green Bay Packers, exceptional cheese and our love of beer. Sure, it’s going to take a bit of time to get used to the idea, but, once that happens, I have a feeling it will lead to good things ... like a decrease in cigarette sales. For all those who have been toying with the idea of quitting, now is the perfect time to do it.

Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Let Us Be Armed

As I've said in the past, I'm not a fan of guns. I don't hunt and I'm fairly certain that I'd be the type of person who would forget to put the safety on and end up shooting myself in the foot. I don't own a gun ... for my own protection. But seeing as how the Second Amendment grants every American citizen the right to keep and bear arms, it concerns me that Wisconsin has not legalized concealed carry of firearms. But what concerns me more is that concealed carry needs to be legalized in the first place. Why should individual states get to define how these constitutional amendments are applied?

First of all, if someone wants to own a gun – for protection, recreation or what have you – they have every right to do so. As of now, Wisconsin legally allows open carry, which requires citizens to keep the firearm in plain sight, but concealed carry is, for some reason, illegal. Given that we have the right to keep and bear arms, the manner in which each individual chooses to express that right should be up to the individual.

And while I'm aware that there are people out there naive enough to believe that maintaining laws against concealed carry is the answer to our problems with violence, it's not so easy. I mean, let's be realistic. Just because our state government says it's illegal to carry concealed weapons, that doesn't mean people don't do it. It's that rebellious nature in all of us. It's illegal to drink before you turn 21, but I'm fairly certain a large majority of the population, myself included, chose to ignore that little piece of legislation a time or two. Like the old saying goes, laws were made to be broken.

So if that's not a good enough solution, then what? Are we going to ban private citizens from owning weapons altogether? While I'm sure that would never happen (hunters simply wouldn't allow it), you can rest assured that, even with the strictest gun laws in place, we wouldn't be safe ... at that point, the only people who'd be armed would be criminals. While I still think that anyone who owns a handgun should go through a certain amount of training with that weapon, it's up to us to make the push to get concealed carry legalized. Besides, the more we allow our state government to encroach on our rights, the fewer we will have.

Limiting our right to keep and bear arms would be like taking away our right to vote ... though with this electoral college crap, it's hard for me to say whether or not our votes even make a difference. But that's a whole other can of worms I'll open some other day. All I know is that we can't let politicians walk all over their constituents. After all, they're supposed to be representing us.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Cancer Touches Everyone

Because of its many forms and how common it has become, there is no doubt in my mind that everyone in the world knows at least one person who has been affected by cancer. It’s a terrible disease and, sadly, there is no cure ... at least, not yet.
Personally, I have not met a single person who hasn’t known someone – a relative, neighbor or friend – who has succumbed to, is battling or has overcome some form of cancer. My grandfather had skin cancer at one point and it is because of breast cancer that I was never able to meet my maternal grandmother. However, one of the saddest things about the disease is that it is not age discriminant. Infants, youth, teenagers, elderly ... they are all susceptible. And while, oftentimes, cancer tends to sneak up on people and take them by surprise, my personal story is a little different. I am in no way saying that I am worse off than anyone else who has had to deal directly or indirectly with cancer, but, like I said, everyone has a story. This is mine.

Imagine living your life knowing that, regardless of what you do, your chances of contracting cancer are about 80 percent. Welcome to my world. When I was 11, I developed a rash on my leg that was eerily similar to that caused by poison ivy. Considering I played Little League and was always running around in the backyard, it didn’t seem all that peculiar. My mom blotted some calamine lotion on it and I was good to go. Or so we thought. The next morning when I awoke, the rash had not only spread, but both my ankles were completely swollen. I could barely walk and, by the end of the day, my hands had swelled to the size of grapefruits, as well. From my perspective, it was unbelievably scary not knowing what was happening to me, so I can only imagine how my parents felt.

On my first visit to the doctor’s office, which would be the first of hundreds, my family physician was stumped by what was happening to me. I vividly remember him paging through textbooks and calling for consultations to try to figure out what it was I had. After being referred to a pediatrician in Marshfield, it was determined I had ulcerative colitis, a disease that affects about 50 out of every 100,000 people in the United States. Over the next few years, I became a human pincushion, in and out of clinics so often that the receptionists and phlebotomists knew me by name. Because of my age, UC seemed like the right diagnosis, but it wasn’t until a few years later that physicians determined I was afflicted with Crohn’s disease, which has very similar symptoms to UC, making it difficult for doctors to tell the difference. But, since there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, all I can do is hope that it stays in remission. Thus, I have been and will be on medication for the rest of my life.

If that weren’t enough, those who have Crohn’s for eight years or more are increasingly more prone to develop colon cancer – the longer you have it, the greater the chances. So, 16 years in, that risk is already becoming too great for my liking. All I can do now is wait ... wait for the cancer or hope I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t develop it. But, given my track record, luck is rarely on my side. I’m better off hoping a cure for cancer comes along. And that cannot be done without the generosity of people who donate to the American Cancer Society and partake in events like the run/walk. I’ve never lived in such a giving community like Arcadia and it warms my heart to know that there are so many people who care so much to give their time and hard-earned money to such a worthy cause. You all deserve huge pats on the back for all that you’re doing to make a difference.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Words of Advice For The Class of 2010

With graduation right around the corner, I would like to take the time to share some words of advice with the Class of 2010 ... I'd say words of wisdom, but the approach I took to secondary education could barely be described as wisdomous. Nine years ago, I was in the same position as many of the high school seniors, I'm sure. Donning my cap and gown, the question of 'what next?' echoed in my head all throughout the commencement ceremony. Sure, I had signed up to take online accounting courses via Chippewa Valley Technical College, but was that what I really wanted? Clearly, I'm not a CPA or in a field even remotely related to accounting. Throughout high school, I excelled in math and was really good with numbers ... but the same was true for English and writing.

Many of my instructors told me that I had an aptitude for writing, but, as I looked to the future, all I saw were dollar signs. Accounting was a much better paying career than anything that had to do with writing. But, as I got older – and wiser, if I do say so myself – I realized that no amount of money would make it worth doing something I hated. I have seen so many of people out there whine about how they hate their jobs that I knew I didn't want to end up like that. After a semester and a half of online classes, I was barely eking out a C average, most likely because I wasn't enjoying the coursework. So, when spring rolled around, I applied to UW-River Falls and was accepted.

At first, I declared myself a business major, but after dropping out half way through my first semester for medical reasons, I wanted to start over. Taking some much-needed time off, I was refreshed. With a clean slate, I went back with an undeclared major and took lots of elective courses until I found my niche. From there, it was smooth sailing; after working at the college newspaper, I was more sure than ever that I wanted to go into journalism. Funny thing is that back when I was in high school, everyone in my class had to meet with the guidance counselor and take tests to determine interest, as well as skill set, for particular careers.

When all was said and done, each of us had to write down what we wanted to be ... even if we weren't sure. Last summer, while I was cleaning my old room in my parent's house, I found that very piece of paper with the career I had intended for myself written upon it. Lo and behold, I did not write accountant; ironically, I had written the word journalist. Who would have guessed I knew, before I had even entered college, where I would end up in life? It's said that it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind (I sure take advantage of that), but I think it's everyone's prerogative to be able to change their path in life. After all, it's your life. You can't look to others to make you happy and you certainly shouldn't let others make up your mind for you.

As Stevie Wonder once said, "You can't base your life on other people's expectations." My parents were pretty disappointed when I decided not to follow through with accounting, but I think, when they see the smile on my face when I talk about my job now, they know it was the right choice for me. So, in essence, I think the whole point of this long diatribe about my experiences is not to be afraid to make mistakes; learn from them, grow. And while it may sound cliche, when choosing a career path, don't put your salary before your life's passion because money will never be able to buy you happiness.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Whatever Happened to "An Eye For An Eye"?

While I’ve never been one to consider myself an inhumane individual – I’m the type of person who swerves to avoid hitting squirrels ... not to mention I absolutely hate guns – I’ll be the first to admit that abolishing capital punishment is a heinous idea. Recently, there have been a slew of articles written in favor of abolishing the death penalty all across the country. Personally, I don’t see why Wisconsin, or any of the other 14 states (and Washington, D.C.) that have already abolished the death penalty, chose to do so. I once read somewhere that revenge is the primary motivation behind capital punishment and that true healing can only happen through forgiveness and repentance. As true as that may be for some, it still astounds me that taxpayers would rather keep murderers alive – and pay to do so – instead of ridding the world of them altogether. And in this faltering economy, there seems to be a peculiar upswing in murder rates.

In Chippewa County, alone, there have been three murders since late February. That’s an average of one a month, people. Speaking as a former resident of that county, that’s a staggering statistic. Clearly, criminals are not perturbed by the thought that life in prison is the worst punishment they will receive if convicted. Hell, for some, that may be a step up from how they’re living now. I mean, in prison, they’ll be served three meals a day and have free room and board without having to go out and earn a living or have any major responsibilities. Aside from living with the guilt – though some may not even feel that emotion – of taking a life, it’s a fairly easy way to get by ... and on taxpayer dollars, no less. I don’t know about you, but it really burns my toast that our hard-earned money is going toward housing these criminals. Whatever happened to the old “eye for an eye” philosophy?

According to Amnesty International, one of the primary anti-capital punishment organizations, “the death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights. It is the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state in the name of justice. It violates the right to life ... It is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.”

Surely our forefathers would look at us and laugh that we’re refusing to put people to death because it’s “cruel and unusual,” especially considering how said human being got to that point in the justice system in the first place. I, for one, think it’s cruel and unusual for a deranged man to stab a teenager to death while he sleeps. But given that Wisconsin doesn’t have the death penalty and he’s entered an insanity plea, I’m sure he’ll get off easy. And, while we’re on that subject, I don’t care much for the idea that murderers can plead insanity and be given the benefit of the doubt – and the possibility of a lesser sentence. Sure, that individual may have been acting in a fit of rage or in the heat of the moment, but does that make them any less of a threat to society? Not in my eyes. Is it just me or is our liberal justice system being a little too liberal in its treatment of cold-blooded murderers?

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Milking It For All It's Worth

So after the raw milk bill passed both houses of the Wisconsin legislature, one would have thought it’d be smooth sailing. All it needs is Gov. Jim Doyle’s signature and farmers across the state will be able to legally sell milk on their farms. Not so fast. While we should have seen this one coming, it disheartens me that cheesemakers, dairies and other “concerned” entities are making a last-ditch effort to push Gov. Doyle to veto the bill. First of all, the only concern these interest groups have is their own interest. God forbid farmers sell their own milk and the dairies don’t get as much milk per shipment. Clearly, the cheesemakers know what’s at stake if this is allowed this to happen. If farmers can sell their own milk, what’s keeping them from selling their own cheese as well?

But the reasonings posed by these entities is what’s most bothersome. They’re claiming that raw milk should not be legalized because of the possibility that it can contain bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, which is hazardous, and could potentially even be lethal, to people’s health. Why, you ask, does this rub me the wrong way? Well, from my perspective, there are two ways to look at this. Either we’re being called ignorant for not knowing what the risks are or, via erroneous concern for our health, we’re being used as pawns to prevent farmers from having the right to sell their own product outright. The mere fact that the sale of raw milk can be harmful to our health is being extremely overplayed. Before pasteurization became common practice, the sale of raw milk was totally acceptable. And if the government were to ban everything that posed a threat to our health, we’d have next to nothing.

That said, what right does the government have to tell us what we can and can’t put in our bodies in the first place? They’re OK with us consuming exorbitant amounts of alcohol, which can cause cirrhosis of the liver, and we can smoke like chimneys, so long as there are warning labels on the packaging explaining those risks. If I recall, the raw milk bill did state that farmers would have to label their product as hazardous, as well as comply with regulations set forth. So what’s the problem? Those opposed to the bill are just making a spectacle of this issue. After all, raw eggs and raw chicken can carry salmonella, but the government doesn’t feel it’s necessary to properly cook them for us before we eat them. And if we like our steaks cooked any way but well done, there’s a health concern there, too. But that’s not going to stop people from ordering their meat undercooked. For as little concern is expressed for those things, there sure is a lot of emphasis being put on health issues when it comes to the legalization of the sale of raw milk, which would only be temporary through 2011. Witnessing this reaction to something that’s not even guaranteed further raises my curiosity about hidden agendas spurring all of this opposition.

While I’m sure support for the bill is equal to or, perhaps, greater than the opposition, I understand Gov. Doyle’s dilemma. As an elected official, it is his duty to take all matters into consideration before signing it into law. But I sure don’t envy him in this battle. Whether he signs the bill or not, the temporary sale of raw milk would become legal this Thursday. However, if he decides to exercise his veto power, it’s back to the drawing board for farmers across the state. But they’ve done their part to help Wisconsin become the dairy giant that it is ... shouldn’t they at least be granted the opportunity to experiment with raw milk sales if they so choose?

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

A Long Overdue Thank You

No matter what profession you are in and how many countless hours you put in going above and beyond what your job description entails, I think everyone would be in agreement with me saying that law enforcement is the most thankless job known to man. Think about it. When you get a ticket, you don’t say “thank you” to the officer – who’s merely doing his job by ensuring your safety – as he hands over a citation. Instead, you get pissed off. And rightfully so. I mean, you’re the one who gets stuck with demerit points on your license, not to mention that the fine isn’t going to pay itself. And believe me, the stigma attached to law enforcement isn’t any different from the perspective of a police officer’s daughter.

I’m not going to lie, I’ve been pulled over several times and cursed the wind ... no more so than when my own father, a patrol sergeant for the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, nailed me for speeding shortly after I started driving. Let me tell you, I got the most verbal of warnings anyone could possibly imagine. But as crime rates continue to rise, I can’t help but get a lump in my throat every time I watch the news and hear about a police officer who had been killed in the line of duty, left only to imagine what those families are going through. Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with that kind of grief. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have nightmares about getting that dreaded phone call ... someone on the other end telling me that I would never see my dad again. Because I know that any day, that nightmare could easily become a reality.

While I understand that not all people are armed criminals and most would never think of pulling a gun on an officer of the law, it only takes one. In an instant the lives of an entire family are changed forever. But the sad fact is that gun violence isn’t the only threat police officers face. That was made all the more evident on Jan. 4, 2008, when I learned that Jason Zunker, a Chippewa County Sheriff’s deputy, had been struck by a car while directing traffic. He died from his injuries the following day. It just so happened that I was home from Wyoming visiting at the time, and one very haunting “what if” question clouded my thoughts that evening: What if I hadn’t come home and my dad hadn’t taken vacation time? Chances are he could have been on duty that evening. Not to say that he would have responded to that very accident scene, but, without a doubt, it hit way too close to home. But that’s just a of the reality I’m forced to live with every day ... at least until my dad retires.

As much as people like to make them out to be the bad guys, I admire police officers for what they do. Every day they go on duty, there is a chance that they might not come home. They selflessly put their lives in danger for the sake of keeping the rest of society safe. The same is true for all emergency personnel who serve and protect, all the while risking their lives. So, seeing as how this is National Police Week (which fittingly coincided with the Fourth Annual Arcadia Area Hometown Heroes event on Tuesday), I would just like to express my gratitude and say thank you to law enforcement officers – and all emergency personnel – for everything that you do. Next time I get pulled over – and I know that day will come, likely sooner than I hope – I’ll be sure to thank the police officer. Ah, who am I kidding? The best I can do is promise I won’t swear ... it’s as good as a thank you.

Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

Six Months Later ...

In late October of last year, I began my journey as the new editor of the Arcadia News-Leader, not knowing if I would be able to fill the shoes of one Miss Jessica Shawley. Well, if my calendar is correct, it appears that I've lasted a whole six months already, so, evidently, I must be doing something right. After a couple months of learning the ropes and getting settled into the community, I can definitely say Arcadia is starting to feel like home. That said, you may be stuck with me for a while. So, if you’re fond of my writing and what I’ve done with the paper, that’s good news. However, if you’re not so much a fan, I’ve been known to grow on people, so give it six more months and see where you’re at.

But one thing that must be understood is that every newspaper editor has his or her own news judgment. Something that one person may find to be of utmost importance may be an afterthought to someone else. Ergo, what former editors might have deemed newsworthy might not appear that way to me. It’s a very objective process. With that, I want to explain some of the changes – which I’m sure you’ve all noticed – that I have made to the newspaper since taking the reins. First of all, the most noticeable alteration has likely been the nameplate on the front page. When I first came here, it was a simple red design, which the artistic side of me found to be kind of boring. Right then and there, I determined that the front page needed some color, some pizzazz. Thus, the constantly changing graphics and colorful nameplate you see now. Besides, we’re paying for full color on the front, so we might as well get our money’s worth.

Next, the Opinion page. After months of the same-old, same-old with columns from Rep. Chris Danou and Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, Chuck and I decided it was time to allow other opinions to be voiced. Granted Vinehout and Danou do a great deal for the area, politicians aren’t the only ones who have something to say. Don’t get me wrong, if either of them send a column that would be of considerable interest to our readership, we will print it. But, for the time-being, we’re mixing things up a little bit. And speaking of mixing things up, I have had many inquiries as to why the court proceedings are no longer printed in the News-Leader. While I’m inclined to blame it on budgetary constraints, thus resulting in our ever-decreasing page numbers, there’s more to it than that. First and foremost, it’s public record. Anyone can go to the courthouse and request that same information or sit in the courtroom for a day to hear the outcomes of the cases. With so much other worthwhile information out there that the public may not have such easy access to, I can’t imagine wasting valuable space so that Joe DUI’s neighbor knows how much he paid in restitution. I guess it’s just another one of those objective editorial decisions.

You may also have noticed the absence of articles from our correspondent David Brommerich, as well as Ruth Schlesser’s weekly gardening column. Again, with a tight budget, we’ve had to cut back in those areas as well. Believe me, if we had the monetary capabilities to put out a 16-page paper every week, we’d do it. So if you dislike any of the changes I’ve made and explained above, please feel free to let me know. There are always compromises that can be made. But, in the meantime, we’ll continue doing the best we can with what we’ve got.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader

A Few Bad Apples

While I realize immigration is a sore subject for many people in the area, and my intention is certainly not to pick at old scabs, I think it’s important to point out the hypocrisy of this ever-present issue. If I recall the whole story about Christopher Columbus correctly, he was not the first American; he was merely the first immigrant to discover this land in 1492. The Native Americans, who happened to be here first, simply got invaded and were eventually secluded to reservations. While one would think this to be an obvious point, I can't stress enough that this wasn't our land to begin with and, therefore, I find it to be extremely hypocritical that we're trying to deny others their chance at freedom.

Perhaps I take more kindly to this entire topic because if it weren't for immigration, I wouldn't be here. My mother is a full-blooded Hungarian, who was brought to America by her parents when she was very young. After becoming a naturalized citizen, she was an American, just like the rest of us. But the truth is, I've seen this issue from both perspectives and I'm appalled at the way immigrants are treated by some. Having dated an illegal immigrant, I was exposed to the other side of the story, a viewpoint that many people don't take into consideration or just choose to blatantly ignore. On a tourist visa for much of the time he spent in the country, he wasn't ready to leave when it expired. With all the friends he had made, he grew attached to life here in the States. Being as such, he scrambled to find a way to stay, eventually acquiring papers from a legal relative to attain employment and, in effect, remain on this side of the border.

However, because he wanted so badly to stay, he was forced to make a lot of sacrifices, namely his identity ... much the same way our forefathers did in order to provide a better life for their families. Though staying meant that he would have to pay rent, bills and contribute to the economy, just like everyone else, he did it anyway. Contrary to popular belief, the sole intent of immigrants being in the United States is not to STEAL American jobs. It's to survive. Thus, I believe this country is in dire need of immigration reform. Building a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border and beefing up border security is not reform. Neither is the targeted arrest and deportation of thousands of immigrants who have made lives for themselves here in the United States. In essence, our approach to this issue is dead wrong. Instead of merely kicking them out of the country time and time again, why not assist these immigrants in finding the proper channels through which to become legal Americans?

I realize that Hispanics have gained a bad reputation, what with all of the drug wars as of late, but we shouldn't let a few bad apples tarnish our views of them as an integral part of our society. That's one of the reasons why I'm ecstatic about the renovations that will be made at Schank Walk-In Park. Turning the property into a maintained soccer field will not only be a wonderful way to help beautify the community, but it will also serve as a way to lead by example. We shouldn't be making Hispanic immigrants feel like they're unwanted in this community; we should be welcoming them into our melting pot of cultures with open arms. After all, the color of your skin, the language you speak and your place of birth shouldn't determine whether or not you're an American.

Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader